Intel President Renee James today detailed the company's 64-bit "Merrifield" Atom processor for smartphones and tablets, disclosed the 64-bit, quad-core Atom 'Moorefield' processor for Android devices and announced agreements with Lenovo, ASUS, Dell and Foxconn to expand the availability of 'Intel Inside' tablets and smartphones.

"The continued growth of the mobile ecosystem depends on solving tough computing challenges -- unlocking data's potential while securely and reliably connecting billions of devices with leading edge computing and communications technologies," said James. "Today we are announcing leading communications products as well as new computing platforms. As a result, Intel is well-positioned to shape the future of mobile computing and the Internet of Things."

Intel launched the 2.13GHz Intel Atom processor Z3480 (Merrifield) that offers a combination of smart performance and long battery life for Android smartphones and tablets. The 64-bit ready SoC delivers high compute performance for the mainstream and performance segments, and -- according to Intel's benchmarks -- it outperforms the competition in compute-intensive application, web application and light media editing performance. Merrifield also delivers greater battery life.

Specifically, Intel says that its new Atom Z3480 processor (Merrifield):

- In 64-bit mode, it can deliver increased performance on certain application usages when 64-bit Android apps are availble

Based on Intel's 22nm Silvermont microarchitecture, the new processor also features a PowerVR Series 6 Graphics IP core from Imagination Technologies and is designed for simple pairing with the Intel XMM 7160 LTE platform. Merrifield is the first Intel Atom SoC to feature the new Intel Integrated Sensor Solution, which manages sensor data to keep applications smart and contextually aware even when the device is in a low-power state. Intel expects Merrifield-based devices from multiple OEMs to launch beginning in the second quarter.

James noted that all Intel Atom processors today support a 64-bit computing experience. "Sixty-four bit computing is moving from the desktop to the mobile device," James said. "Intel knows 64-bit computing, and we?re the only company currently shipping 64-bit processors supporting multiple operating systems today, and capable of supporting 64-bit Android when it is available." Intel has also delivered 64-bit kernels across operating systems.

Intel also disclosed new details on its next-generation 64-bit Intel Atom processor, code-named "Moorefield" for devices expected to be available in the second half of the year. Building on the Merrifield feature set, Moorefield adds two additional Intel architecture (IA) cores for up to 2.3GHz of compute performance, an enhanced GPU and support for faster memory. Moorefield is optimized for Intel?s 2014 LTE platform, the Intel XMM 7260, which the company also introduced today.

Now certified to run on 70 percent of LTE networks worldwide, the 7160 is expanding to connect a range of products spanning smartphones, tablets, 2 in 1s, Ultrabook systems and more. Companies currently shipping or planning to launch devices featuring Intel's LTE platforms include Acer, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung, among others.

"We are entering 2014 with a very competitive mobile portfolio spanning application processors and communications platforms that will only get stronger," said Hermann Eul, vice president and general manager of Intel's Mobile and Communications Group, during the press conference. "Our new Atom processors for Android smartphones and tablets offer leading 64-bit performance and battery life, and the new 7260 platform gives the ecosystem a compelling LTE-Advanced experience."

James said Intel is leading the effort to guard today's mobile devices with data and device protection solutions from Intel Security and McAfee. Notably, Intel Device Protection Technology (Intel DPT) protects consumers against malware and allows enterprise customers to separate personal and corporate data on Intel-based Android devices. Mobile device management providers including AirWatch, Citrix and McAfee will provide manageability extensions for devices with Intel DPT later this year. Intel expects tablets featuring Intel DPT will begin shipping later this year from OEMs including Dell.

James also revealed the features of the free, full-featured McAfee Mobile Security offering for Android devices now available. It includes protection features and, for the first time, unlocks security extensions for Intel-based mobile devices. Specifically, the free McAfee Mobile Security includes anti-virus, app protection, web protection, and call/SMS filter, in addition to anti-theft and contact back-up.

In an effort to accelerate development and availability of applications for Intel-based devices, James announced the Intel Integrated Native Developer Experience (Intel INDE), a beta productivity suite for devices running on both Android and Microsoft Windows. Intel also introduced the Intel System Studio 2014 for embedded and systems development and the Intel XDK developer tool for HTML5-based apps to enable developers to simplify and accelerate time-to-market development of web and hybrid content mobile apps.

Signaling the expanding availability of tablets and smartphones powered by Intel Atom processors and connected by Intel communications, James announced three new multiyear agreements with device manufacturers for Intel-based mobile devices.

Intel and Lenovo announced plans to introduce new Intel-based smartphones and tablets this year. Lenovo also said it plans to incorporate Intel LTE connectivity into some Ultrabook and multimode designs.

Additionally, ASUS announced it will bring a full portfolio of Intel-based smartphones and tablets to market this year. The company recently introduced its ZenFone line of smartphones and the unique PadFone mini, both of which feature Intel processors and communications platforms.

Dell and Intel are expanding their collaboration between the two companies to include a range of tablets that started with the introduction of the Dell Venue line in fall of last year. Intel-based products from Dell will span Android and Windows solutions.

Finally, Foxconn and Intel are teaming up to drive the global availability of affordable Intel-based Android tablets. Intel will provide Intel Atom processors and communications platforms for a range of Foxconn products, beginning with tablets, this year.

James also announced expanded relationships with Alcatel-Lucent and Cisco to accelerate network function virtualization (NFV) and software defined network (SDN) technologies.

James also highlighted numerous Intel-based trials with operators including China Mobile, SK Telecom and Telefonica that are demonstrating the benefits of NFV and SDN for enabling personalized and contextually aware services, improving asset utilization, and simplifying installations and upgrades.